What Is a Colonoscopy?

A colonoscopy is an exam of your colon and rectum. During a colonoscopy procedure, your GI doctor, or gastroenterologist, can remove suspicious tissue or polyps (lumps). Your physician uses a long, thin tube with a camera on the end (colonoscope) to see the inside of your body. Your doctor will check for:

• Irritation
• Polyps
• Signs of cancer
• Swelling
• Ulcer

Why Are Colonoscopies Important?

Cancer in your colon or rectum is the second leading cause of cancer death in America. It’s also the fourth most common cancer in men and women. If you catch colorectal cancer early, it’s much easier to treat. Regular screenings, including colonoscopies, give you a better chance of catching cancer in its first stages.

Who Needs a Colonoscopy?

If you have an average risk of colon or rectal cancer, you need a colonoscopy every 10 years, starting at age 45. If you have a higher-than-average risk of colorectal cancer, you may need colorectal cancer tests more often, and you may need to begin testing at an earlier age.

You’re at high risk if you have:

• A history of colorectal cancer or certain polyps
• A history of radiation on your belly or pelvis to treat cancer
• Family history of hereditary colorectal cancer syndrome, including familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or Lynch syndrome (hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer)
• Family members with colorectal cancer or certain kinds of polyps
• Inflammatory bowel disease, which includes ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease
• Celiac disease

Warning Signs of Colorectal Cancer

Let your doctor know right away if you notice certain colorectal cancer symptoms, including:

• Blood in your stool, which might look like black or brown coffee grounds
• Bright red blood from your rectum
• Unexplained, long-lasting bowel habit changes like diarrhea or constipation
• Unexplained weakness and fatigue
• Unexplained weight loss

Your doctor may recommend a colonoscopy to find the reason for your symptoms.

What to Expect

Your colonoscopy preparation starts the day and night before your screening.

A Few Days Before

A few days before the screening, adjust your diet. Avoid foods high in fiber like whole grains, nuts, seeds and raw fruits and vegetables. The day before your colonoscopy, you'll only be allowed to drink clear liquids, like water, broth, clear juices, gelatin and popsicles without any red or purple coloring.

The Day Before

The day before you’ll also do a colon cleanse to make sure your colon is empty. This way, the doctor can see everything clearly in your colon. Your doctor will also prescribe a colon cleanse beverage and anti-gas medication along with fasting. The drink often comes in fruity flavors. You will likely have to drink a lot of it to completely clear out your colon. The drink will make you have frequent, loose bowel movements. This is an important step. If you don’t follow through on drinking the drink, the doctor won’t be able to do the colonoscopy, and you’ll have to start over.

Some providers suggest putting it in the refrigerator. Drinking it cold may make it more pleasant to drink.

The Day of the Colonoscopy

The procedure takes about 30 minutes, and complications and risks are low.

First, you are sedated. Many people describe it as the best nap they have ever had. Next, the doctor will perform the colonoscopy. Because you will be sedated, you will need someone to go with you to drive home.

You will wake up in the recovery room. After a short observation and recovery from the sedative, you can eat and go about your day.

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Ask for a Referral

Ask your primary care doctor for a referral to get a lifesaving colonoscopy screening at OSF HealthCare. Need a primary care provider? Browse our directory.

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